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DPS: Officers Fired Upon By Gangs in Mexico

Photo by Todd Wiseman

U.S. law enforcement officers in Hidalgo County today received heavy weapons fire from Mexico, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The exchange happened when law enforcement officers participating in a multi-agency Texas Ranger Recon operation attempted to interdict a load of drugs. Three law enforcement patrol boats were notified of a suspicious vehicle and two recovery boats on the U.S. side of the border. They were fired on when they arrived at the scene.

DPS spokeswoman Tela Mange said the department was unable to confirm if any U.S. law enforcement personnel were wounded in the attack. Three suspected drug runners were wounded, according to the statement. Mange said additional details were not immediately available as the investigation continues. Mexican officials were notified of the abandoned boats and are on the scene, the statement added.

Julian Aguilar covered the 81st legislative session for the Rio Grande Guardian. Previously, he reported from the border for the Laredo Morning Times. A native of El Paso, he has a bachelor's degree in English from the University of Texas and a master's degree in journalism from the Frank W. Mayborn Graduate Institute of Journalism at the University of North Texas.